SALT LAKE CITY, March 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- USANA Health Sciences Inc. (NYSE: USNA), a global nutritional company, today announced plans to expand operations into Colombia, including an office in the capital city of Bogota, during the third quarter of 2013. With the addition of the Colombia market, USANA will have operations in 19 markets worldwide.

The company is pleased to make its first offering of its science-based nutritional products in South America. According to a report from the World Federation of Direct Selling Associations, there were 1.2 million direct sellers in Colombia in 2011, with total retail sales of $2.06 billion. Colombia is the fourth leading market in Latin and South America and 16th largest overall direct sales market. Euromonitor International, a world leader in researching consumer markets, forecasts consistent growth in Colombia for years to come.

"USANA's entrance into South America represents another exciting market opening, bringing world class product offerings and a unique business opportunity to the people of Colombia," said Dave Wentz, USANA's chief executive officer. "We are opening this market with confidence due to the success of our outstanding Associate leaders in Mexico and the U.S., who have existing ties to Colombia. We expect this new expansion to support positive growth in our Americas region, and is an excellent entrance opportunity in South America."

About USANA

Founded in 1992, USANA Health Sciences (NYSE: USNA) is a U.S.-based nutritional company that manufactures high-quality supplements and personal care, energy and weight-management products in its FDA-registered facility in Salt Lake City. USANA's products, used by more than 600 professional athletes, are developed by the company's award-winning team of scientists and sold directly to Preferred Customers and Associates in 18 international markets. USANA has earned NSF Certified for Sport® certification for its SportsPak, Essentials™ (Chelated Mineral and Mega Antioxidant), Proflavanol® C100, Active Calcium™, Procosa® and BiOmega™ products. It has also earned NSF dietary supplement certification for its HealthPak™.